Diseases & conditions A-Z List

Diseases & Conditions A-Z List - «M»:

Molluscum contagiosumMolluscum contagiosum is a viral skin infection that causes raised, pearl-like papules or nodules on the skin.
Causes
Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a virus that is a member of the poxvirus family. You can get the infection in a number of different ways.
This is a common infection in children a...

Mongolian blue spotsMongolian spots are flat, blue, or blue-gray skin markings that commonly appear at birth or shortly thereafter.
See also: Rashes
Causes
Mongolian blue spots are common among darker skinned persons, such as those who are of Asian, East Indian, and African descent.
Symptoms
Mongolian spots are nonca...

Mononeuritis multiplexMononeuritis multiplex is a brain/nervous system (neurological) disorder that involves damage to at least two separate nerve areas.
Causes
Mononeuritis multiplex is a form of damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy). It is a group of symptoms, not a disease. A part...

MononeuropathyMononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve or nerve group, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.
Causes
Mononeuropathy is a type of damage to nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral neuropathy).
Mononeuropathy is most often caused by injury, alt...

MononucleosisMononucleosis is a viral infection causing fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands, especially in the neck.
See also: Infectious mononucleosis (acute CMV infection)
Causes
Mononucleosis, or mono, is often spread by saliva and close contact. It is known as "the kissing disease," and occurs most...

Mononucleosis spot testThe mononucleosis spot test looks for two antibodies in the blood that indicate infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
How the Test is Performed
Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (...

Morning sicknessMorning sickness is nausea and vomiting that can actually occur at any time of the day during pregnancy.
See also:
Hyperemesis gravidarum
Pregnancy care
Considerations
Morning sickness is very common. Most pregnant women have at least some nausea, and about a third have vomiting. Morning sick...

Moro reflexMoro reflex is type of involuntary response that is present at birth. It normally disappears after 3 or 4 months.
See also: Infant reflexes
Considerations
The Moro reflex may be demonstrated by placing the infant face up on a soft, padded surface. The head is gently lifted with enough support to j...

Morphine overdoseMorphine is a very strong painkiller. Morphine overdose occurs when a person intentionally or accidentally takes too much of the medicine.
This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local eme...

Morquio syndromeMorquio syndrome is an inherited disease of metabolism in which the body is missing or doesn't have enough of a substance needed to break down long chains of sugar molecules called glycosaminoglycans (formerly called mucopolysaccharides).
The syndrome belongs to a group of diseases called mucopolysa...

Morton's neuromaMorton's neuroma is a thickening of nerve tissue between the toes. It commonly affects the nerve that travels between the third and fourth toes.
See also: Foot pain
Causes
Morton's neuroma is more common in women than men.
The exact cause is unknown. However, some experts believe the following may...

MosaicismMosaicism is a condition in which cells within the same person have a different genetic makeup. This condition can affect any type of cell, including:
Blood cells
Egg and sperm cells (gametes)
Skin cells
Causes
Mosaicism is caused by an error in cell division very early in the development of the ...

Mouth and neck radiation - dischargeWhen you have radiation treatment for cancer, your body goes through some changes.
Two weeks after radiation treatment starts, you might have changes in your skin. Your skin and mouth may turn red, your skin might start to peel or get dark, or your skin may itch. Also your skin under your chin may g...